Online Degrees and CLEP and DSST Exam Prep Discussion
Fully testing out (or close to) - Printable Version

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Fully testing out (or close to) - Mitchmcc - 10-08-2009

Hi all

What degree programs can be almost completely tested out of? Ideally, I would like to take the BS in Health Sciences program at EC but for cost reasons I'm thinking that I might want to get a quicker, cheaper degree to start with and then later on I can add something in Health Sciences (when my wife has a job again).

Any suggestions for a program that will allow me to test out of almost all courses?

Thanks for your help
Mitch

Fully testing out (or close to) - Ruddigore - 10-08-2009

There's history - that's definitely a prime candidate. A lot of people of the forum have done business-related degrees.

The GRE subject tests are useful for testing completely out of certain degrees. Psychology, Literature in English, Mathematics, and Computer Sciences are notable exams.

Fully testing out (or close to) - alleycat - 10-08-2009

Many of the degrees allow for testing out almost completely. Many people have done business, liberal arts, social science, psyc, and history. I guess it all depends on what you want it in and or need it in and how long you want to take to get it. Also are you coming in with any college credits because that can also be used to either cut down on the time it takes to get a degree done or led you on the path of what you might want to get your degree in. The Health Science Degree at EC does require you to take classes to complete the degree. I believe you can not test out on the whole degree.

The this world of degrees the choice is really yours. It just depends on what you want to do.

Fully testing out (or close to) - JanusthePhoenix - 10-08-2009

I would note that Business cannot be tested out of completely through EC. Specifically, there are no tests for Managerial Accounting and Business Policy. So it's an "almost" completely test out degree.

Liberal Studies would be the easiest and fastest. You have lots of leeway in deciding what tests to take, but of course you should pick your major because you want it and not because it is convenient.

Fully testing out (or close to) - Mitchmcc - 10-08-2009

Thank you all for your comments so far. Let me add a little bit of background here.

I don't need a degree right now. I have a good job that I like. However, as the bones get a little creakier, it occurs to me that I am one badly twisted knee away from not being able to physically do my job.

So I am trying to prepare against the possibility that I could suddenly lose my job next month, or next year or ten years from now. As I am already in healthcare, the obvious move would be to move into healthcare management. However, it is quite conceivable that I could land a job as a sleep lab manager based on experience only or maybe just having some sort of degree on my resume would be the straw that tips the balance (sorry about that metaphor!)

So I don't know exactly what I will need a degree for or when I might need it. I just want to do my best to be prepared for the worst. So I guess my priorities are: get something relatively quick, easy and cheap on my resume - probably associates first and then bachelors in ....... whatever. Then with a bachelors under my belt in a couple of years I can think about what to add on - certificates, second degree, masters etc.

So the question is, what is the whatever? I think history is fascinating but probably not as useful on a resume as a general business degree. (I do enjoy learning for the sake or learning but I have to balance the usefulness - given my situation - of business against my interest in something like history or biology).

I do have 30 quarter hour credits from Northeastern in business type subjects: accounting, intro to business, business law, economics etc.

Thanks again for all your input. I greatly appreciate it
Mitch

Fully testing out (or close to) - JanusthePhoenix - 10-08-2009

I would suggest against the associate's if you are going to do some form of test out degree. You can go from 60 to 120 credits relatively quickly if you're motivated, so there's no point in spending the extra conferral fee if you ask me.

Fully testing out (or close to) - cookderosa - 10-09-2009

Mitchmcc Wrote:Hi all

What degree programs can be almost completely tested out of? Ideally, I would like to take the BS in Health Sciences program at EC but for cost reasons I'm thinking that I might want to get a quicker, cheaper degree to start with and then later on I can add something in Health Sciences (when my wife has a job again).

Any suggestions for a program that will allow me to test out of almost all courses?

Thanks for your help
Mitch
>>

Before you pick a degree based on the "almost all courses" answer...consider this:

All 3 of the big 3 do not cap your test out credits, so if there is a test, you can take it. (save English/Freshman Comp for EC)

If you are talking about only the big 3, you are able to test out of >100 credits for pretty much all of them- leaving <20 for most, fewer than that for many.
The last few credits is where you'll need help. You might have to take a class locally, or online, or find an alternate credit earning method. This is easy to do, and with an afternoon of researching, no cause for stress.

Sometimes (a lot of the time) there are tests that cost more than the class, so if it is a question of money- you'll do better to take the classes for a few of them.
Other times, it's a question of time- in which case testing saves time.
Your specific needs for saving time/money will dictate the best path for you.

My suggestion, get the degree you want. They all cost about the same and all take about the same amount of time. There are a few speed bumps on a few of the degrees, but unless you zero in on the degree you want, there is no point going through them (unless they apply to you).

**Edit**
I just read ahead and see a few of your other questions. My suggestion is either Health Sciences or Management.
Health Sciences shows you an professional in your field by backing up your job experience with a piece of paper. It's also generic and applies to a number of other settings, meaning you can work in another medical building doing something else. The disadvantage is it doesn't train you for something specific per sey.

Management sets you above the worker bee and primes you for your first leadership position. The disadvantage here, is that there are fewer managers in any facility than worker bees, so your targeted job might be harder to find. Also, without management experience, it's always hard to get that first job for anyone- you may have to take an assistant management job as a stepping stone. Sometimes these are lower pay than the worker bee positions with double the headache.